Laboratory and Biostorage Coordinator

Job summary

The NIHR Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility is seeking a Clinical Research Laboratory and Biostorage Coordinator to support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of research studies and the day-to-day operation of the CRF laboratory and biostorage service.

The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing, processing and managing research samples throughout the sample lifecycle. Working closely with research delivery teams, investigators and sponsors, the post holder will review study protocols and laboratory requirements, contribute to study setup activities, advise on sample handling and processing workflows, and help ensure studies can be delivered safely, effectively and in compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.

Alongside laboratory operations, the role will support the management and development of the CRF biostorage service, including sample tracking, storage, retrieval, shipment, equipment oversight and quality management. The post holder will also contribute to training, service improvement and the continued development of laboratory and biostorage processes to support current and future research studies.

Main duties of the job

• Support the delivery of research studies through the provision of laboratory and sample management expertise.
• Review study protocols and laboratory requirements, contributing to study setup and implementation activities.
• Undertake and oversee the receipt, processing, labelling, storage, retrieval and shipment of research samples in accordance with study requirements and regulatory standards.
• Develop and maintain practical laboratory and sample management workflows to support research delivery.
• Ensure accurate sample tracking and maintenance of auditable records using laboratory and information management systems.
• Support the operation, maintenance and monitoring of laboratory and cold-storage equipment, including troubleshooting and escalation of issues where required.
• Contribute to SOP development, quality management activities, audits, inspections and continuous service improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical advice, training and support to researchers and study teams.
• Support the ongoing development of the CRF laboratory and BOSS biostorage service to meet the needs of current and future research studies.

About us

Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.

As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

o Opportunities for career progressiono Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and developmento 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous serviceo NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailerso Competitive pension schemeo Lease car schemeo Cycle to work schemeo Employee Assistance Programmeo Mental Health First Aiderso Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

Job responsibilities

We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• Degree in a biological, biomedical, life-science or relevant subject, or equivalent relevant knowledge and experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to laboratory, research or biostorage practice.

Desirable

• Relevant specialist training, e.g. Good Clinical Practice, Good Laboratory Practice, biological sample shipping or human tissue governance

Experience

Essential

• Significant practical experience in a research, clinical or regulated laboratory environment, including biological sample handling, and the use of laboratory equipment and storage systems.
• Experience of working within quality systems, including implementation, review or development of SOPs, quality control processes and controlled documentation.

Desirable

• Experience in a CRF, trials laboratory, biobank, biorepository or research sample-storage service.
• Experience supporting audits, inspections or monitoring visits.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of laboratory practice, safety requirements, quality systems, traceability and accurate record keeping relevant to research sample management.
• Understanding of research sample management and the relationship between study protocols, laboratory requirements and local procedures.
• Knowledge of confidentiality, information governance and data protection requirements relevant to research and laboratory information.

IT and information management

Essential

• Competent in the use of laboratory, sample-tracking or information systems and electronic record keeping.
• Able to maintain accurate records, undertake data-quality checks and investigate discrepancies.

Desirable

• Advanced spreadsheet, database, reporting or data-management skills.